GM to recall about 1.5 million vehicles because of fire hazard

The automaker will disable the heating mechanism on a system that squirts cleaning fluid on the windshield and pay $100 to the vehicles' owners.

General Motors Co. will pay out as much as $150 million to owners of vehicles that are being recalled because it can't fix a flaw in the system that squirts heated cleaning fluid on the windshield.

In one of the largest recalls this year, GM said Tuesday that it was recalling about 1.5 million vehicles, including certain Cadillac and Buick sedans as well as several sport utility vehicles, because the problem could cause the vehicles to catch on fire. The recall of many 2006 to 2009 model-year vehicles will involve disabling the heating mechanism and paying $100 to the owner.

Analysts said the move by GM represented both the speed and willingness of large automakers to make amends with customers after the recent public relations debacle experienced by Toyota Motor Corp. over a series of large recalls and quality issues.

"This should be more common," said Clarence Ditlow, executive director of the Center for Auto Safety.